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Background: Eyebrows play a crucial role in the human body. While Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a widely utilized and highly effective treatment for typical eyebrow deficiencies, it may not yield satisfactory outcomes for patients with post‐traumatic eyebrow scars and defects. Objective: A prospective comparative clinical study was conducted to explore the treatment outcomes of post‐traumatic eyebrow scars accompanied by defects using a combination of ablative fractional CO2 laser therapy with FUE. Method: Between January 2019 and January 2023, we enrolled 30 patients with post‐traumatic eyebrow scars and accompanying eyebrow defects, randomly assigning them to experimental and control groups. Patients in the control group received FUE treatment exclusively, whereas patients in the experimental group underwent CO2 fractional laser therapy on the eyebrow scars prior to FUE treatment. Alongside the patients' baseline data and the quantity of transplanted follicular units during surgery, we will compare the follicular survival rates between the two groups at 6 and 12 months post‐treatment. Results: Prior to FUE, there were no notable variances in baseline data between the two‐patient groups. At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, the follicular survival rate in the experimental group was significantly higher compared to the control group. Additionally, patients in the control group were more prone to experiencing postoperative asymmetry between their eyebrows and developing curly hair. Conclusion: For patients with post‐traumatic eyebrow scars accompanied by eyebrow defects, we applied ablative fractional CO2 laser therapy in combination with FUE treatment. This approach not only resulted in a higher follicular survival rate postoperatively but also led to the achievement of a well‐defined eyebrow shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By evaluating the level of serum procalcitonin (PCT), thromboelastography (TEG) and platelet count (PLT) of patients with septic shock in intensive care unit (ICU), the predictive value of the combination of the three indicators on the short-term progression was discussed, which provided a new basis for early clinical diagnosis and disease evaluation. Methods: The clinical data of 130 patients with septic shock admitted to the IUC of our hospital from December 2021 to December 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. These subjects were divided into good prognosis group (n=78) and poor prognosis group (n=52) according to the 28 d deaths. The influencing factors were explored using the Multivariate logistic regression analysis. The value of single or combined PCT, PLT and TEG in predicting poor short-term prognosis was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The patients in poor prognosis group had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, serum PCT level, coagulation reaction time (R value) and coagulation formation time (K value), but lower PLT levels, final strength of coagulation (MA value) and coagulation formation rate (α angle) than those in good prognosis group (P< 0.001). PCT, R value and K value were risk factors (P< 0.001), while PLT, MA value and α angle were protective factors (P< 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of PCT, PLT and TEG predicting poor short-term progression was 0.813, 0.658 and 0.752, respectively. The AUC of combined three indicators was 0.905, which had the highest predictive value. Conclusion: Serum levels of PCT, PLT and TEG had certain value in predicting poor short-term progression of septic shock patients, and their combined diagnostic value was higher. Therefore, regular monitoring of these three indicators could provide certain guiding significance for the prevention and treatment of poor short-term prognosis in patients with septic shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automatic shading devices are widely employed in office buildings to enhance daylight comfort and reduce electricity consumption. However, conventional blinds control methods rely heavily on numerous sensors to monitor indoor daylight conditions, posing challenges in implementing automated control systems. A novel blinds control approach based on dynamic radiance and solar radiation energy prediction is proposed to address this issue. Instead of relying on illumination sensors, the method utilizes the Bidirectional Scattering Distribution Function (BSDF) and a sky model-based three-phase approach to calculate indoor illumination. Artificial neural networks are employed to predict transmitted solar radiation energy, thereby minimizing energy consumption. Furthermore, the multiple criteria decision-making model is applied to determine the optimal angle for the blinds. Simulation experiments demonstrated that this approach achieved a significant reduction of approximately 17% in energy consumption compared to a fixed angle of 90° in the cooling season. And the average illumination of the indoor work plane can be effectively maintained at the recommended level, as ensures improving occupants' comfort. Practical Application: The proposed blinds control approach has practical applications in building automation control systems. By effectively reducing building energy consumption, it offers an efficient alternative to traditional control methods. Notably, this approach minimizes reliance on sensors, making it a cost-effective and sustainable solution for optimizing building energy usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Objective Method Results Conclusion Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most prevalent type of hair loss. Traditionally, treatment for AGA has primarily involved the topical application of minoxidil in conjunction with oral finasteride or spironolactone. Recently, platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a significant focus of research in hair loss treatment. However, many studies on PRP‐assisted hair transplantation have encountered various limitations.This study aims to conduct a prospective, comparative clinical investigation to evaluate the therapeutic effects of combining PRP with minoxidil and finasteride/spironolactone as adjuncts to hair transplantation.From August 2019 to December 2022, we enrolled 30 patients with AGA in the study, randomly assigning them to an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received drug therapy alongside hair transplantation and underwent PRP injections, whereas the control group received only drug therapy to assist with hair transplantation.Prior to surgery, no significant differences in baseline data were observed between the two groups. Following treatment, the experimental group demonstrated significantly improved follicle survival rates, follicle growth rates, and hair strength compared with the control group.This prospective, comparative clinical study demonstrated that the application of PRP in conjunction with pharmacological support during FUE treatment for AGA resulted in improved follicle survival rates, hair growth rates, and hair strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the findings of an observational study involving 38 patients to evaluate the application of a surgical technique utilizing an autologous costal cartilage scaffold for correcting nasal tip and alar asymmetry in unilateral cleft lip-nasal deformity. Nasal septum extension spreader grafts (SEG) and warped alar batten grafts, both made from autologous costal cartilage, were utilized in open rhinoplasty procedures. The warped alar batten graft was fixed to the caudal end of the SEG, with the lower lateral cartilage on the cleft side suspended to the free part of the newly created warped alar batten graft to lift the collapsed nasal alar further. Measurements of nasal tip height, nostril height, and the intersection angle of the nasal sill and alar (α) were taken before and after surgery, comparing the ratios between the normal and cleft sides. Patients were followed up for 2.5 to 5.5 years, with all cases showing successful healing and no complications. Postoperative improvements in nasal tip and nostril asymmetries were significant, with statistically significant changes observed in nasal tip height, nostril height, and the intersection angle of nasal sill and alar (α) ( P <0.05). The combined use of SEG and warped alar batten graft, both crafted from autologous costal cartilage, effectively corrected nasal tip and alar asymmetry in adult cleft lip nasal deformity cases., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.